Dunivant's captain's armband gesture a surprise for Donovan

TORONTO –When Landon Donovan made his 2013 debut after missing the start of the regular season, LA Galaxy captain Todd Dunivant ran up to the 31-year-old forward to hand him the captain’s armband.

The gesture was a simple one, but Dunivant felt that it was a meaningful one to truly welcome him back into the team that he captained since the 2007-2008 season. Donovan then donned the armband as he went 29 minutes as a late Jose Villarreal goal helped LA earn a point in a 2-2 draw with Toronto FC.

“It was just a symbolic gesture to show that we had fully welcomed him back," Dunivant told LA Galaxy Insider. "He’s as much as part of these team as he ever was, so it’s as simple as that. He’s been our leader and it’s more of a symbolic gesture than anything.”

As for Donovan, he could help his surprise, but admitted that his goal is a simple one—to contribute for the Galaxy.

“I was surprised. I told him no at first and he insisted so it was a very nice gesture,” said Donovan.” More than anything, it was nice to be on the field. I really want to contribute and I’m really anxious to contribute and make a difference.”